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A Reminder to Slow Down…

Mar 10, 2016 | Uncategorized | 16 comments

Runner Bean steps

Why is it always the way that you don’t realise how close you are to burning out until it’s too late?

After working 16-18 hour days for the past few weeks, balancing freelancing, uni work, nannying, and blogging, plus Barry’s hell week – I mentioned to my flatmate that I couldn’t remember the last time I just sat on the sofa and relaxed. I couldn’t remember the last time I was home without working or sleeping.

And as if karma could hear me, I was struck with the stomach virus that is going around that night.

Cue a very disrupted night, a lot of 5am emails cancelling everything I had that day, and a full day of bed/sofa/bed and not an ounce of work.

Yesterday was not too different, luckily I was able to leave the house for a few hours to attend the Saucony Stride Lab, and get my hair cut. Other than that, I was napping, relaxing, or trying to eat some soup/smoothie.

Runner Beans slowing down

Life has a way of slowing you down when you need it.

I would not have given myself a full day off on Tuesday without the stomach virus where I literally couldn’t do anything.

It was a reminder that you need to schedule in down time from work, training, and even from your social life sometimes. It’s important to rest, relax, recover. 

I haven’t been blogging as much as I’d like recently (or putting as much focus on my social media) but I’m just doing the best I can with the time and commitments that I have.

And that’s all we really can do.

So give yourself a break, both mentally and physically this weekend. Be kind to yourself and know that you’re doing the best job you can! X

Photos by Will Patrick

16 Comments

  1. David

    I was running almost every day recently, feeling great…noticed a lul in my performance, but didnt feel tired.
    A day later i caught a cold, it forced me to rest too which was probably for the best as began to feel better slowly and some pains in my legs started to go.
    Body’s way of saying stop!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      That’s such a bummer – completely agree the Body has it’s own way of getting us to slow down!

      Reply
  2. TaleOfTwoRuns

    I ‘ve been going in and out a burn out since we left NY and moved to London… Didn’t have time to get any time off and I dived into the whole PhD/new job head first… I am really not happy with the way i feel later and trying to figure out how to fix it 🙁 Most of the times I am totally unmotivated… Tried the relax on the couch method over Christmas but didn’t really help. I think both my body and mind need a serious reset!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Oh no – maybe you could book a mini break weekend in the UK or Europe to hit reset?

      Reply
  3. Elle Linton

    yup, I got the other bug going around… a kinda flu / cold hybrid! lol was in bed for two days straight, got better then took a couple steps back 🙁 so just taking it easy, getting in all the rest I can while slowing trying to get some bits done!! Hope you’re feeling better! ..and here’s to more balance!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Oh no, hope you’re feeling better for today!

      Reply
  4. Zoe

    I think you’re doing an amazing job on ALL fronts! Super woman juggling all those things! X

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Thank you lovely xx

      Reply
  5. healthyhappierbear

    I love this post! It is SO SO important to schedule time to relax and rejuvenate. I’ve been making a concerted effort to make sure that my rest days from workouts are truly rest. I sleep more these days, stay off my feet as much as possible, relax in a bath etc..

    Reply
    • charlotte

      I hadn’t thought much about staying off your feet during rest days but I certainly love a bath!!

      Reply
  6. Nicole

    yes yes yes. we’ve all been there and you write about it so relatable-y. i had the same thing happen on a trip to LA. I had been doing too much and just crashed and got sick. it’s a good reminder. i hope you feel better soon.

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Thanks so much Nicole!

      Reply
  7. Corey @ Learning Patience

    So funny you chose this subject girl..I got back Sunday from the States and wouldn’t you know it..I’m sick. Feeling better but cannot get rid of my uber runny nose. 🙁 Life always finds a way to remind us that we need to slow down.) Feel better and take some you time! x

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Thanks so much, I hope you had a great time in the US and feel better soon too! x

      Reply
  8. samanthablaine25

    I feel the same way a lot of the time, like you want to dedicate yourself to as many things as you can and be very dedicated and not just half ass it. Life always seems to catch up. I am currently in a Dale Carnegie class which has made me realize that most humans feel the same way with time and not having enough. You are so not alone and thank you for sharing with us as much as you do!

    Reply
  9. Kimberley

    I’ve been wearing a fitness tracker for a while now and just before I come down with something, I’ve noticed my average heart rate is just a touch higher than usual, and my heart rate jumps quicker than usual if I start exercising, then..boom…the next day I’m sick. Frustrating, but also a reminder sometimes to slow down! Hope you’re feeling better! x

    Reply

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